Our dogs are going crazy this year as the temperatures drop and the snow piles up. My dogs have trouble negotiating the deep snow and even thought they get out, they are not getting much running time in. I came up with some simple games you can play inside and teach the basics of dog agility at the same time while the weather limits our dog’s activities.
Equipment is simple for these doggie games – some empty plastic water bottles, fruit juice bottles or other unbreakable item that you can place on the floor. If need be, keep the cap on and partially fill the bottle with water to keep it more stable while training. Once your dog gets familiar with the games the empty bottles will be just fine.
In and Out Game Setup a couple of bottles (2 -6) in a row on the floor, far enough apart you can walk through with your dog along side of you. Using food treats get your dog to come with you, rewarding and praising as you go. Get your dog to walk with you on either side – your right and your left. Once your dog is comfortable walking around these in a zig-zag with you, try getting him to do the weaving while you walk straight next to the bottles. Always remember to do this on both sides. This is the beginning of teaching your dog to do weave poles for agility.
Circles Game
Start with just one bottle on the floor and walk around the bottle with your dog. There are four variations of this doggie game. You go around both directions with the dog closest to the bottle and then both directions with you closest to the bottle. Use food treats and guide the dog with you, keeping him at your side. You can control where the dog is by how you hold the treat. This exercise teaches your dog to move with you through an agility course as a team.
Out and Around Game Again, you will setup one bottle on the floor and, instead of walking around the bottle with your dog, guide your dog out around the bottle so it passes on one side and you are on the opposite side of the bottle. Use a word like “Go” or “Out” to push the dog away from you, on both sides again. Then slowly move away from the bottle and use the command and hand signal to push the dog around the bottle. This is a fun one for the dog because you can get further and further away, pushing them out to the object and the dog gets to move away from you to succeed. This exercise increases your dog’s confidence in working with you and is very handy when negotiating an agility course.
Play these doggie games with your dog anytime you want to have fun and get your dog some inside exercise during the cold winter months. You’ll be on your way to having foundations built for canine agility and you’ll strengthen the relationship you have with your dog. It is a great way to spend quality time with your canine companion when you cannot get outdoors.
